Welcome to “Eight Greats Around the State” — Part II, where we spotlight eight of Georgia’s more intriguing high school football matchups in Week 4. This week, powerhouse showdowns are spotlighted as this week’s slate features teams looking to extend winning streaks and make statements as the season hits full stride.Part I of our feature sets the stage for an exciting week of Georgia high school football action.
Rome vs Toombs County
The Rome Wolves aim to snap their 0-2 start behind QB Aidan McPherson, who leads the team in both passing and rushing touchdowns. The Toombs County Bulldogs bring a high-powered offense led by QB Joseph Owen and a balanced rushing attack from Juston Powell and Donterrius Mincey.
Thomas County Central vs Thomasville
The Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets and Thomasville Bulldogs both enter Week 4 unbeaten, featuring high-powered offenses led by Jaylen Johnson and Cam Hill, respectively. This matchup could come down to which defense can slow the opposing attack.
Buford vs Roswell
The Buford Wolves return from their bye week looking to extend their strong start behind QB Dayton Raiola and a balanced rushing attack led by Dylan McCoy and Ty Green. The Roswell Hornets, paced by dual-threat QB Trey Smithand versatile playmaker Nick Peal, will test Buford’s stout defense in what should be a competitive matchup.
Cook vs Callaway
The Cook Hornets are off to a strong 3-0 start behind a dominant rushing attack led by Dawson Davis and Nigel Kenney. The Callaway Cavaliers, paced by dual-threat QB Blake Harrington and receiver Kaiden James, will look to challenge Cook’s defense in what should be a close matchup.
Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com
Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)
The Skinny
The Rome Wolves enter Week 4 still searching for their first win of the season, off to an 0-2 start for the second straight year. While the record isn’t ideal, it’s important to note Rome has faced two of the state’s top teams and remained competitive. The Wolves are averaging 200 passing yards per game and just 53 yards on the ground, but much of their production comes from quarterback Aidan McPherson, who is completing 70% of his passes for 340 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions. McPherson also leads the team on the ground with 80 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. Jeremy Winston has emerged as the top receiver with 13 catches for 127 yards and 2 TDs, while sophomore Justin Spivey has contributed 5 catches for 119 yards. Defensively, Rome has allowed more points than usual but has still kept both early-season opponents to season-low outputs.
The Toombs County Bulldogs make the trip to Rome for the second consecutive season. Last year, the defending Class A-Division I champs stunned Rome with a 4-point victory. The Bulldogs are off to a fast start, averaging 36.6 points per game while allowing just 4.6 points per contest. Junior QB Joseph Owen has thrown for 500 yards and 3 touchdowns, spreading the ball to eight different receivers. Justice Wilds (8 receptions, 117 yards), Gavin Fletcher (7 receptions, 192 yards, 2 TDs), and Nick Carroll (7 receptions, 104 yards, 1 TD) lead the receiving corps. On the ground, Juston Powell (17 carries, 208 yards, 7 TDs) and Donterrius Mincey (13 carries, 129 yards, 2 TDs) provide a balanced rushing attack. Defensively, Hayden Roy and Alex Scott anchor the Bulldogs with 13 tackles apiece, and the team has forced 7 turnovers already this season.
While Toombs is a talented squad, the Wolves should have extra motivation this year and will look to establish more balance in the running game. If Rome can generate pressure on Owen and disrupt the Bulldogs’ passing attack, the game could stay close. Expect a competitive matchup with the Wolves pulling out a tight win at home.
Prediction: Rome by 5.
The Skinny
The 57th edition of the Rose City Rumble brings two of south Georgia’s most explosive high school football programs together, as the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets host the Thomasville Bulldogs. Both teams enter Week 4 undefeated and boasting high-powered offenses, making this clash one of the most anticipated matchups in the series.
The Yellow Jackets have been virtually unstoppable on offense this season, averaging 63.6 points per game while racking up 211.3 passing yards and 222.3 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Jaylen Johnson has been precise, completing 71% of his passes for 401 yards and 10 touchdowns without an interception. Johnson has spread the ball around to his talented receiving corps, including J.B. Watkins (12 catches, 151 yards, 6 TDs) and D.J. White (9 catches, 192 yards, 2 TDs). On the ground, Christian Lawrence has been electric, averaging 20 yards per carry with 281 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, while Jordan McNeil has added 137 yards and 2 touchdowns of his own. The Jackets’ offense is complemented by a stingy defense, allowing just 7 points per game, recording 10 sacks, and forcing 5 turnovers.
The Thomasville Bulldogs have proven to be a formidable opponent, averaging 43.3 points per game with a balanced offensive attack. Senior quarterback Cam Hill has thrown for 400 yards and 4 touchdowns while adding 127 rushing yards and 3 TDs on the ground. Hill has spread the ball effectively to Nigel Pitman (4 catches, 137 yards, 2 TDs) and D.J. Sawyer (8 catches, 85 yards, 2 TDs). RB Lavonte Cole has spearheaded the rushing attack with 286 yards and 6 touchdowns on 32 carries. Defensively, the Bulldogs have been solid, allowing 12.3 points per game, with linebacker Joe Douglas (31 tackles, 5 TFLs) and defensive end Zay Clark (7 sacks, 8 TFLs) leading the way.
With both offenses performing at a high level, this game is expected to be fast-paced and high-scoring. The key for Thomas County Central will be to sustain their balanced attack while containing Thomasville’s rushing duo of Hill and Cole. Conversely, the Bulldogs will need to pressure Johnson and disrupt the Jackets’ offensive rhythm.
While the matchup promises fireworks, Thomas County Central’s combination of offensive firepower and defensive efficiency may give them the edge in the second half.
Prediction: Thomas County Central by 19.
The Skinny
The Buford Wolves return from their bye week looking to extend their strong start to the season. Buford has averaged 31 points per game, led by senior quarterback Dayton Raiola, who has thrown for 302 yards and 3 touchdowns in just two games. While the Wolves are averaging 151 passing yards and 173.5 rushing yards per game, those totals come against two of the toughest defensive units on their schedule. Dylan McCoy and Ty Green have shared the bulk of the carries, combining for 154 yards on 35 attempts, with Green accounting for 3 touchdowns. Defensively, Buford has allowed just 13.5 points per game, forcing 4 turnovers, with Deion Miller and Bryce Perry-Wright leading the team in tackles with 21 and 19, respectively.
The Roswell Hornets come off a dramatic comeback win over Class 6A Walton, and now face a challenging road test at Buford. Senior quarterback Trey Smith has thrown for 405 yards and rushed for 212 yards through the first two games, spreading the ball to reliable targets like Wills Campbell and Sean Smith. Nick Peal has also contributed as a versatile offensive weapon, both as a receiver and a rusher. On defense, Brody Duffy leads the Hornets with 30 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks, while the team has already recorded 13 sacks, paced by junior Hayes Kenerly with 3.5.
Both squads boast talented offenses, but this game is likely to be decided by which defense can make key stops. Buford’s defensive front will look to contain Trey Smith and keep Roswell in check, while the Wolves aim to balance the run and pass to maintain their edge. Expect a competitive matchup, with Buford’s defense being the difference as they pull away late.
Prediction: Buford by 8.
The Skinny
The Cook Hornets are off to their first 3-0 start since 2012, and much of their success has come on the ground. The Hornets are averaging 161.7 rushing yards per game, led by freshman RB Dawson Davis, who has 220 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Nigel Kenney is second on the team with 124 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. While Cook’s passing game has been limited, they’ve been efficient when called upon, they’re completing 70% of their passes.
The Callaway Cavaliers enter Week 4 looking to rebound after dropping their first two games. Quarterback Blake Harrington has been the centerpiece of their offense, throwing for 445 yards and 3 touchdowns while also contributing as a runner with multiple scores, including 104 yards on the ground in Week 1. Kaiden James leads the receiving corps with 12 catches for 175 yards. Callaway’s high-powered offense will look to challenge Cook’s stout defense while keeping the Hornets off balance with a mix of passing and rushing plays.
While Callaway has shown flashes of explosiveness, Cook’s commitment to the ground game and balanced defensemakes them tough to slow down. This matchup will likely be a test of which team can control the clock and dictate the pace. Will the road trip wear on the Cavs this week. We believe they get off to a slow start, but their explosive offense shines. in the second half.
Prediction: Callaway by 5.